The
last two weeks have been busy, as we have returned to Parliament.
Already we have debated ways to modernise the House of Commons
working practices

This
last week I have had the pleasure of meeting a group of Putney
Brownies, pupils from Linden Lodge School and representatives
of the Limbless Association, all at the House of Commons.
I was rather surprised to learn that the authorities at the
Palace of Westminster had failed to produce a braille version
of the House of Commons and House of Lords Leaflets, despite
being available in half a dozen languages. I will be pressing
for better facilities for visually impaired visitors to Westminster.

I
also met with representatives of the National Union of Students
from the University of Surrey at Roehampton. I agree that
the campaign to increase financial support for poorer students
and am also against the introduction of top up fees which
would create a two-tier university system. The Government
will be publishing findings of its review of Higher Education
finance in January. I hope that the hard work campaigners
will have already made a significant impact on future government
policy in this area.

I
would be very interested to hear Putney residents' views on
two issues, which impact on our lives. First, I will be meeting
with the Head of the Royal Parks Agency in the next few weeks
to discuss the traffic management proposals for Richmond Park.
I myself have been vociferously objecting to the plan to close
Robin Hood Gate, as this is likely to cause serious congestion
in the Roehampton area. I also know that there is very strong
opposition in Putney to the closure of Pen Ponds car Park
and will also be making representations on this point.

Secondly
I expect a vote on whether the Government should ban the sale
of fireworks on the high street. Many argue that fireworks
are now used irresponsibly, particularly by young people,
in built up areas and without proper safety precautions being
taken. On the other hand many law-abiding citizens like to
hold private bonfire parties, which involve fireworks. I would
like to hear from any one who has strong opinions on this
matter.

As
always if any one would like to contact me on these or any
other issues, feel free to write to me at the House of Commons.